I like the brawn that the Blues are going to throw at the Maroons but I can't help feel that Queensland's footy brains will engineer a close win in the latter stages of the game. If it's 14-all with 10 minutes to play I want to be on the guys who have been there and done it countless times before.

Chris Kennedy, National CorrespondentResult: New South Wales by 4First try-scorer: Blake FergusonMan of the Match: Aaron Woods

While the settled team of Queensland superstars deserve favouritism I think the Blues can just get the jump on them at home in Game One. There's a bit more strike in this NSW side than in recent seasons – including plenty in the backline – and they should be able to match it with Queensland in the kicking game after picking who I think are the two best available halves. There is also serious strike and intimidation on offer in the forwards which is where we all know Origins are won and lost. It should be close but Blues by four.

Martin Gabor, National CorrespondentResult: New South Wales by 1First try-scorer: Josh MansourMan of the Match: Matt Moylan

The balance of power changed a decade ago and I'm tipping the same to happen in 2016. The Blues won the series opener 17-16 thanks to a Brett Finch field goal, and it'll be another blonde-haired player to step up to lead NSW to victory this year. Matt Moylan will star in his Origin debut with a try and drop goal as the Blues forwards excel in greasy conditions.

Queensland have stuck with the old faithful that demoralised New South Wales in Origin III. That's good enough for me. Darius Boyd killed it for Australia the other week as man of the match and has been on fire with the Broncos of late.

The Blues have home ground advantage and a couple of quality attacking halves, but despite some inexperience in the outside backs the Maroons still have the better team overall as well as proven combinations where it matters most. Assuming Cooper Cronk is fit, the irresistible Smith-Cronk-Thurston playmaking trio should control the contest unless the NSW forwards can blow them off the park, and in Michael Morgan Queensland have a utility super sub who is much more familiar with that role than the Blues' Dylan Walker. With so much experience together the Maroons are greater than the sum of their parts, and those parts are still pretty damn good.

Adrian McMurray, ProducerResult: New South Wales by 2First try-scorer: Corey OatesMan of the Match: Adam Reynolds

There are plenty of unknowns heading into Game One. How will the Maroons perform for the first time under new coach Kevin Walters? How will a new-look Blues side gel? I like the look of the NSW halves and provided they get adequate protection in defence, I think they'll provide something different (especially with their kicking game) to worry Queensland. Reynolds to win the game with a sideline conversion.

Queensland are too experienced and too skilful and should win the opening game if they play anywhere near their potential. They can blow NSW off the park or they can grind their way to victory; they just know how to win and don't mind how they do it. They may be getting older, but there is still too much class in the Maroons side and Thurston and Smith control a game better than anyone.

Queensland have picked a very similar team to the one that smashed New South Wales in Game 3 last year and I can't see the Blues getting the better of them. ANZ Stadium will be a tough test for the Maroons, but I expect the class of Cameron Smith in the middle to get them over the line. Look for Darius Boyd to finish off a sweeping backline move to cross the line first.

Steven Ross, North Queensland CorrespondentResult: New South Wales by 6First try-scorer: Michael JenningsMan of the Match: Paul Gallen

The G-Train will access energy reserves he didn't even know he had in his final State of Origin series, and he should lead the Blues to a Game One win at home. Origin is the type of game where the interchange reduction will be felt most, but I'm still predicting a low-scoring game dominated by forwards. The formidable Blues pack offers a lot more size and ruthless aggression than Queensland's pack, and that will be the difference.